David Hattner Celebrates Ten Years Leading PYP with Beethoven’s 5th on 94th Opening Night

PORTLAND, OR – It’s not just a youth orchestra, it’s PYP! Portland’s locally-grown ensemble since 1924 will kick off its 94th concert season on Saturday, November 11, 2017, at 7:30 PM in the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall. The season opener marks David Hattner’s tenth season as Musical Director and conductor. To celebrate, PYP will perform Beethoven’s astonishing 5th Symphony, one of classical music’s most iconic pieces.

“This season, we are performing some of the most beloved and popular pieces in the history of symphony orchestras,” says Hattner. “Beethoven's 5th Symphony was premiered in 1808, and audiences are still impressed and moved by it. Classical music is vibrant and relevant to listeners of any time, and I believe that Beethoven's music speaks to everyone.”

Hattner and Portland Youth Philharmonic’s exceptional musicians are shaking up the classical music experience this season with lower ticket prices, no ticket fees, no formal concert-black attire, and a super welcoming atmosphere.

From the signature opening of Ludwig van Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5, audiences will be swept up in one of music’s most powerful and majestic experiences. The performance will also feature Antonín Dvořák’s Hussite Overture and Frédéric Chopin’s second piano concerto, performed by Natalie Tan, winner of PYP’s 2016-17 Piano Concerto Competition.

“Participating in and learning music has really helped me to develop a sense of myself as a person” says 15-year-old Tan. “Playing the piano allows me to be creative and also expands my ability to embody different moods and emotions. Music allows you to become more flexible with yourself emotionally and socially.”

Beethoven’s 5th tickets range from $5 to $60, and are on sale now on the PYP website. Students of any age can attend any PYP performance for just $5.

PYP will embark on a tour down the Willamette Valley to Corvallis and Roseburg the last weekend of October. First stop is Roseburg on Saturday, October 28, 2017 with a 7:00 PM performance in Umpqua Community College’s Jacoby Auditorium, followed by a 3:00 PM performance in Oregon State University’s LaSells Stewart Center on Sunday, October 29, 2017. The ensemble will also present a free preview of this performance on Monday, November 6, 2017, at 7:30 PM in Vancouver, WA’s Skyview Auditorium.

PYP’s astonishing new season of concerts proudly celebrates 94 years of fearless artistry, adventurous programming, and excellent performances. Visit www.portlandyouthphil.org to purchase tickets or obtain more details.